Trump's pandemic watchdog pick pledges 'independence'

Amid President Donald Trump's rapidly expanding campaign to assert more control over independent federal watchdogs, Trump's pick to monitor the administration's massive coronavirus economic rescue effort is vowing to protect the office's "integrity and independence."

"If confirmed, I will conduct every audit and investigation with fairness and impartiality. I will be vigilant to protect the integrity and independence of the Office of Special Inspector General," said Brian Miller, who Trump nominated last month to become the newly created special inspector general for pandemic response. Miller's position was created by the $2.2 trillion coronavirus relief law signed on March 27.

"I pledge to seek the truth in all matters that come before me and to use my authority and resources to uncover fraud, waste, and abuse," Miller continued in a brief prepared statement to the Senate Banking Committee, which is prepared to consider his nomination on Tuesday.